easy mexican casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best easy mexican casserole recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – the easy Mexican casserole. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal preparation time, and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family.

The best part? It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste by adding or substituting different ingredients. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and each time it turns out delicious and satisfying.

My kids love helping me assemble the layers, and my husband appreciates how quickly it cooks in the oven. Plus, the leftovers are just as tasty as the first night – if not more so! The combination of ground beef, beans, cheese, and tortillas creates a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household too.

When I serve this casserole at potlucks or family gatherings, it’s always a hit – everyone asks for the recipe! And the best part? It’s relatively healthy compared to other comfort foods, with plenty of fiber from the beans and veggies.

As an added bonus, this casserole is also freezer-friendly, making it an ideal option for meal prep or unexpected guests. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – your taste buds (and your family) will thank you!

Easy Mexican Casserole

Easy Mexican Casserole

4.8 from 1121 votes

A simple and flavorful casserole with layers of seasoned ground beef, corn, black beans, and cheese, all baked together. This dish comes together quickly using common ingredients and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Casserole

1 lb ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
1 (10 oz) can red enchilada sauce
1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
6 (6-inch) corn tortillas, cut into 1-inch strips
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion, breaking the meat into crumbles, until the beef is browned and the onion is translucent, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
5Stir in the black beans, corn, enchilada sauce, diced green chiles, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
6Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld.
7Spread a thin layer of the beef mixture (about 1/3) on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
8Arrange half of the tortilla strips over the beef mixture, then sprinkle with 1/3 of the shredded cheese.
9Repeat the layers: add another 1/3 of the beef mixture, the remaining tortilla strips, and another 1/3 of the cheese.
10Finish with the remaining beef mixture and top with the last 1/3 of cheese.
11Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
12Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
13Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
9×13 inch baking dish
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 980mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 8g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a spicier casserole, use hot enchilada sauce or add a diced jalapeno to the beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Easy Mexican Casserole Works

This easy Mexican casserole recipe is a staple in our household because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal preparation time, and is perfect for any occasion whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends and family.

The leftovers are just as tasty as the first night – if not more so!

This recipe works well for family gatherings because it serves a crowd easily and can be customized to suit individual tastes.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Casserole

Q: What type of cheese is best for this recipe?

The type of cheese you use will greatly impact the flavor of your casserole. For this recipe, I recommend using a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese for a rich and creamy flavor profile.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Simply cook the turkey in place of the beef and proceed with the rest of the recipe as instructed.

Q: How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy?

To prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy, be sure to cook them until they’re lightly browned before adding them to the casserole. This will help them hold their shape and maintain their texture throughout.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ground beef?

This casserole is already relatively vegetarian-friendly, but if you want to make it fully vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and add more beans or roasted vegetables to compensate for its absence.

Q: How long can I store this casserole in the fridge or freezer?

This casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

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